Black Friday shopping is over and it is officially the holiday season. Time to make plans with friends and family, bask in the beautiful Tampa winter weather and enjoy the season! Whether you still have company over from Thanksgiving or you're looking for fun events around town with your significant other, 813area is here to show you some featured excursions in the Bay Area. Don't forget when attending an event to check out the best local dining options to make your date night a great night!

The winner of five 2015 Tony Awards comes to Tampa for an exquisite evening of musical theatre that received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The coming of age story based on Alison Bechdel’’s best-selling memoir, Fun Home has been called “a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway” by The New York Times and “A Landmark Production that will forever change what is possible in Musical Theatre,” by The Huffington Post.

Directed by Angel Borths. A holiday classic adaptation of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from "bah-humbug" to charitable human when three spirits show him the true meaning of life, love and happiness on Christmas Eve. This performance runs Thursday-Sunday through December 23rd and has a special Holiday Discount for children under 12 on Fridays. This show runs through December 23.

Come see this empowering original play about the lives of Betty and Harold Taylor, the parents of the playwright Fran Powers. It's 1950 in San Diego, California and Betty, a waitress and single mother, is working to support her two daughters. When Harold, a sailor, walks in for lunch, the two are forever connected. This show runs through December 17.

DanceUSF Seniors present their BFA solo and group pieces in Theatre 2. Enjoy an evening of student choreographed dance in an intimate setting. Theatre 2 is located between the Contemporary Art Museum and Theatre 1.

Spoken Word & Staged Readings:

"Tampa's most beautiful crowd and the city's most dynamic spoken word talent converge for a night of sophisticated fun, laughter, and thought-provoking entertainment!" The November edition of Straight Up Poetry will feature the wordsmith Dichotomy performing "Prosetry!" An engineer by day, writer, poet, and spoken word artist by night, creative writing and expression is his first nature. It is a divine thumbprint in the many gifts and talents that posses him. This event also will showcase their spotlight poets as well as an open mic! DJ Zay will be spinning the tunes during intermissions. Drink specials now extended until 9 pm!

Students from the Lily Dishman Playwriting Program present an evening of staged readings. Enjoy this free exhibition of works from these emerging playwrights! TAR 120 is a studio space located inside the Theatre Center in between the Marshall Center and Fine Arts Dance.

Music Performance:

Celebrate an evening of holiday classics and contemporary composers to kick off the season with the various choirs of the USF School of Music. This concert is always a favorite of the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased through the College of the Arts box office or day of show. The School of Music Concert Hall is located at 3755 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620

The USF Symphonic Band presents its second concert of the year, ”Alpha and Omega,” which showcases repertoire that explores beginning and endings of seasons and life. Tickets can be purchased through the College of the Arts box office or day of show. The School of Music Concert Hall is located at 3755 USF Holly Drive, Tampa, FL 33620

The Master Chorale Ensemble Singers, Principal Chorus of The Florida Orchestra, performs a night of Bach, Mendelssohn, Arvo Part, Ola Gjello and Roberto Sierra. The premiere classical chorale of the Bay Area has been performing since 1979 and has been called "one of the country's finest choirs" by the Tampa Tribune.

Film:

The Tampa Theatre Film Screenings continue with The Polar Express, a touching tale of a boy who learns the magic of Christmas and teachings us all to see the magic in our own lives. This event will be held after the City of Tampa’s tree lighting. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn-chairs as seating is first-come, first-served. Refreshments will be available by the vendors of the Winter Village at the park!

It's great for our community to support local arts and embrace the holiday season with our family, friends, and even our in-laws. Over the next few weeks there will be a plethora of holiday-themed shows, events, Nutcrackers and festivals to see, all without having to bundle up like Ralphie from A Christmas Story!

So when you're with your friends debating what the weekend should entail, check out 813area for the best Things To Do in the Bay Area around Christmas-time. And don't forget to register for free on the site for the latest updates!

Cover Photo from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Facebook Page.